Italian Proverbs

You can find some wise old Italian proverbs and sayings in the following article. Go through these proverbs and sayings to get a whiff of Italian culture.
Italian is considered to be the language of romance. Italians too are not far behind in the department of love. They are known for their love of life, food, good living and love for traditions and honor. There are a set of rules that define the Italian culture. These rules become a way of living and this is reflected in the Italian cuisines, lifestyle, Italian art and yes, Italian proverbs and sayings. Every culture is known to have some wise old men come up with sayings and quotes that help one understand the different phases of life. Italian quotes too highlight the strong bonds of family and love. There Italian phrases are not just mere sentences, but have deep-rooted meanings. Let us have a look at some of the Italian quotes as well as Italian phrases, that are famous all around the world.

Proverbs and Sayings

Italian Proverb: Uno sciocco e il suo denaro son presto separati
English Translation: A fool and his money are soon parted

Italian Proverb: Siccome la casa brucia, riscaldiamoci
English Translation: Since the house is on fire let us warm ourselves

Italian Proverb: Amico di tutti e di nessuno e tutt'uno
English Translation: A friend to all and a friend to none is one and the same

Italian Proverb: Non affoga colui che cade in acqua - ma affoga chi male incappa."
English Translation: Who falls in water doesn't drown - but who falls badly will.

Italian Proverb: Chi la sera i pasti li ha fatti, sta agli altri lavare i piatti."
English Translation: If one cooks the meal then the others wash up.

Italian Proverb: Donna che piange, uomo che giura, cavallo che suda, tutta impostura.
English Translation: A woman who cries, a man who swears, a horse that sweats, all imposture.

Proverbs about Family

Italian Proverb: "Tempo, marito e figli vengono come li pigli."
English Translation: Weather, husbands, and sons come as you take them.

Italian Proverb: Una buona mamma vale cento maestre.
English Translation: A good mother is worth a hundred teachers.

Italian Proverb: Chi ha la mamma sua non piange mai.
English Translation: He who has his own mother never cries.

Italian Proverb: La madre degli idioti è sempre incinta."
English Translation: The mother of idiots is always pregnant."

Italian Proverb: La lettera C è la più soggetta al tradimento - cugino, cognato, e compare.
English Translation: The letter C is most likely to betray - cousin, brother-in-law, friend.

Italian Proverb: I figli nati da appena tre dii - gli si deve dare i vizzi: non piu di li.
English Translation: Children of three days - one has to spoil them: not more than that.

Italian Proverb:Amicu ca non ti duna, parendi ca non ti mpresta, fuili comu la pesta.
English Translation: Friend who won't give, relatives who won't lend you a hand, avoid them like the plague.

Proverbs About Life

Italian Proverb: Finchè c'è vita c'è speranza.
English Translation: Where there's life, there's hope.

Italian Proverb: La vita è come un albero di natale, c'è sempre qualcuno che rompe le palle.
English Translation: Life is like a christmas tree, there's always someone who breaks the balls.

Italian Proverb: Nella vita - chi non risica - non rosica.
English Translation: In life: who risks nothing - gains nothing.

Italian Proverb:L' erba del vicino è sempre più verde.
English Translation: The neighbour's grass is always greener.

Italian Proverb: Tempo al tempo.
English Translation: All in good time.

Italian Proverb: Tra il dire e il fare, c'è di mezzo il mare.
English Translation: Literal translation: "Between doing and saying lies the sea.

Proverbs about Food

Italian Proverb: Ne ammazza più la gola che la spada.
English Translation: Gluttony kills more than the sword.

Italian Proverb: Una mela al giorno leva il medico di torno.
English Translation: An apple a day keeps the doctor away.

Italian Proverb: Un buon vino, un buon uomo e una bella donna dura poco.
English Translation: A good wine, a good man and a pretty woman last a short time.

Italian Proverb: A tavola non s'invecchia.
English Translation: At the table one doesn't grow old.

Italian Proverb: L'appetito vien mangiando
English Translation: Appetite comes eating

Proverbs on Love

If a man deceives me once, shame on him; if he deceives me twice, shame on me. ~ Italian Proverbs

If the wife sins, the husband is not innocent. ~ Italian Proverbs

He who is not impatient is not in love. ~ Italian Proverbs

No one will take the one who is destined for you." ~ Italian Proverbs

Let him not be a lover who has not courage. ~ Italian Proverbs

Love demands faith, and faith firmness. ~ Italian Proverbs

Love is the true price at which love is bought. ~ Italian Proverbs

Love rules without rules. ~ Italian Proverbs

These are a few Italian proverbs and sayings that you must have loved reading. As you can see, these Italian quotes are short and straight to the point. These common phrases in Italian do not beat around the bush with words. But helps one learn the meaning in just a few words. These proverbs carry the essence of Italy within them. Like the wise of Italian saying, "A buon intenditor poche parole." (Few words to the good knowledgeable). Hope you have enjoyed going through these Italian phrases and sayings as much as I loved collecting them for you. Grazie mille.
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Last Updated: 9/26/2011
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